Donna Murray-Brown Bio

Donna Murray-Brown is the President and CEO for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She leads the strategic direction and overall operations of MNA’s affiliates and programs. MNA is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector by offering services, resources and systems nonprofits need to improve and strengthen their communities.

Prior to being named President & CEO, Ms. Murray-Brown served as Director of the Metro Detroit Partnership Office and Senior Director of Capacity-building for MNA. In this dual role, she led a successful strategic alliance program for arts and culture organizations in metro Detroit; led the merger negotiations of four organizations to create the Belle Isle Park Conservancy; and attracted national program partnerships and investment to the region including New York-based National Urban Fellows and Wisconsin-based Public Allies.

Before joining MNA, Donna was Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Director for Charter One Bank where she developed and executed strategy and leadership for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance. She also strengthened the company's business and corporate citizenship with key partnerships of more than 100 civic and community-based organizations.

Ms. Murray-Brown serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the National Council of Nonprofits, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Detroit Public Television, Board of Directors for Michigan Associations of United Ways, and is a state commissioner for the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. She is also a member of the Nonprofit Advisory Council for Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.

Kelley Kuhn - Bio

Kelley Kuhn serves as the Vice President for the Michigan Nonprofit Association. Michigan Nonprofit Association is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, capacity-building, data and technology, and advocacy. In accordance with the mission, vision and strategic direction, Ms. Kuhn provides ongoing support and expertise to all management personnel. She is responsible for establishing the annual goals and objectives, as well as overseeing the policies and procedures for the organization and its functions, programs, and affiliates. Ms. Kuhn also manages the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Before joining the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Ms. Kuhn was a nonprofit consultant and executive director of the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center. She has extensive experience in nonprofit training, technical assistance, and needs-assessment focusing on management support and capacity-building services.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Kelley also received a Masters of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Joan Bowman - Bio

Joan Bowman is External Affairs Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). MNA is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, capacity-building, data and technology, and advocacy.

Ms. Bowman is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and communication strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region.

Joan holds a degree in economics from the University of Minnesota.

Bill Gesaman - Bio

Bill Gesaman is Strategic Growth Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association. As  a member of the senior leadership team he is responsible for the strategic development of member recruitment and retention, communication, products and services.  His duties also include event ideation, collaborative agreements, and sustainability programs.  In this position Bill identifies emerging needs of key stakeholders and develops strategies to address those needs. 

Prior to joining MNA in August 2010, Bill worked with the Boy Scouts of America for more than five years. There he worked with approximately 3,500 families and hundreds of volunteers while leading efforts in fundraising, program development, volunteer management, committee leadership and membership.  Bill is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Nellie Tsai - Bio

As the Community and Civic Engagement Director for the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Nellie Tsai leads initiatives that activate citizen leadership in communities across SE Michigan.  While at MNA, she has also led a K-12 civic leadership program that connected youth to community causes and issues.  Ms. Tsai is an AmeriCorps alumna, and proudly serves as the National Alumni Association Board Co-Chair for City Year. She is also involved with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Detroit, where she serves as the Membership Chair.  In addition to her volunteer work, Ms. Tsai holds a K-12 Administrator Certificate from the state of Michigan. She moved to Detroit after receiving her MBA/MA at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and is learning how to be a homeowner.